Yeah, yeah! I’ve heard it all before from all you jazz snobs. “Smooth jazz isn’t real jazz”.
Why does every art form have to be so elitist, and look down on others that are deemed (by who?) as “inferior”.
Remember Duke Ellington’s famous line, that there are two kinds of music, good and the other kind.
I know some of you will hold your noses when the words “Smooth Jazz” is mentioned. Fine, we can all agree that we can’t stand Kenny G. But not all of these artists ARE Kenny G.
To prove my point, I’ve composed a list of a TOP TEN SMOOTH JAZZ list that I guarantee will impress even the most hard core jazz snob. All of these artists have street cred, so 
give these albums a chance.
- John Klemmer Touch-this alumnus from the adventurous Don Ellis Orchestra played a tenor with a patented Echo-Plex, seducing thousands with soulful grooves.
George Benson Breezin-The title track and “This Masquerade” still sounds fresh after all these years. His The Other Side of Abbey Road is a photo finish second place.
Grover Washington Jr. Winelight-A tribute to a basketball giant (“Let It Flow”) and a duet with Bill Withers (“Just the Two Of Us”) make this a Dessert Island Disc for the soprano/tenor saxist.
- Joe Sample Carmel-the keyboardist is as smooth as silk on a post-Crusaders session.
Chuck Mangione Feels So Good-the flugelhornist struck it big with the title track, while Chase The Clouds Away is no slouch either
- Earl Klugh Collaboration (with George Benson) or Heart String-the nylon stringed genius creates rich pastels of sound.
- Stanley Jordan Magic Touch-the pioneer of tapping the guitar strings like using a piano hit the music world like a
thunderbolt on this magnificent debut. 
Michael Franks The Art of Tea. One of the coolest and hippest voices was by songwriter Michael Franks, with his classic “Popsicle Toes” still a timeless hoot.- Al
Jarreau-We Got By and Look to the Rainbow. This godly gent made vocal percussion sound as smooth as silk, swinging as deftly and suavely as any man on earth, with a version of “Take Five” as hip as the original - Bob James Touchdown-with Ron Carter, Steve Gadd, Hubie Laws and Dave Sanborn, James makes
“laid back” feel caffeinated.